Lil Bitts and a little Talawa

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Versatile Lil Bitts (Shivonne Liesl-Anne Churche) from Trinidad has been making soca music for many decades. But there is more to know about Lil Bits. Today, we get up close with her.

Can you tell us a little bit about where you come from? Where did you grow up?
Originally from Trinidad – Belmont to be exact, but I grew up in Diego Martin.

You are an artist, actor and mas band leader… is there anything we have missed, and what is left for Lil Bitts?
Well I’m not a mas band leader, but I design costumes and have owned sections. I’m also a song writer, entrepreneur and a wife.

What motivated you to choose a career in music and do you believe you will always be involved in soca?
Music runs in my family. I have members of my family who are vocalists, musicians, painters. So it’s in my blood. Couldn’t get away from it. Yeah soca 4eva. But I do enjoy other genres.

What part of the creative process do you enjoy most and why?
Writing part is a whole vibe. I’m a lover of unusual and cool concepts, metaphors, double meanings. Vocal production I enjoy as well, especially when someone sends me a demo and by the time we do the vocal production with me adding my flavour. The end product is beautiful. I also truly enjoy pushing myself vocally with my tracks.

We have been observers of the soca scene for quite a while now and know that it takes real effort and perseverance to scale that soca wall. Has there been any time that you thought I have had enough?
Many times lol. That feeling doh really disappear; it comes and goes depending on what you might be going through at the time. But as clichéd as it may sound, your fans, the people who love and support you, generally keeps you going.

You have collaborated with Bunji Garlin, Baron and Farmer Nappy, who do you look forward to working with in the future?
I really enjoy Christo and Voice. And I would love to do a collab with an all-female cast; I’ve had one or two in the past. Would love to be a part of one. One band, one sound.

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You recently aired Talawa: The Story of Lil Bitts. How was that for you and what kind of memories did it invoke?
Memories that I had forgotten. The people who were interviewed me reminded me of things I forgot and things that I didn’t even know happened. It’s beautiful hearing people who are your friends and family speak on you. I know that they always got me, but it was different hearing them say it in front of a screen. It was quite an emotional experience.

What has been the highlight of your journey so far?
Preforming soca in China and being able to do Talawa, especially during this pandemic. It was a challenge and a risk, but if you look for the meaning of my name in the dictionary you would probably see ‘loves a challenge, risk-taker’.

How many tracks have you released for 2021, and what were they?
Two: Pledge and Remember Me.

Are there any upcoming events/key dates or collaborations you can tell us about?
I don’t speak on things till they’re set in stone. So you will just have to wait and see.…!

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